I’m sure we are not alone amongst architects in noticing a massive increase recently in requests for bat surveys as a result of lodging planning applications.
I’m sure there is an element of “better safe than sorry” in some of these requests in as much that a requested bat survey can at worst just confirm that there are no ‘bat interests’ to be taken into account in a scheme. On the other hand, if a survey reveals bat activity or bat habitats, it has all been worthwhile.
However, there are a number of points to bear in mind here: bats are protected regardless of any specific recommendations or requirements that may arise following a survey. Bat emergence surveys can apparently only be undertaken between May and August – which can play havoc with the timetable for planning approvals. And finally, whereas some months ago we were receiving quotations for surveys in the order of £350-£450, those same quotations are coming in around £950 today. The market has spoken, and clients are being forced to listen.
My contention that that there is a trend towards virtually automatic requests for bat surveys was confirmed this morning when a colleague announced that one had been requested in relation to an application he had lodged. The application was for a new porch for a church of no more than 2 square metres. Quite how the construction of this new porch would affect any putative resident bats was not made clear.
Oh, and just to make things worse, the requests for bat surveys often comes several weeks into the determination process.
No comments:
Post a Comment